I Was In an Acciden Now I Need To File An Auto Insurance Claim?

Reader’s Question:

What if I get into an accident in and the other driver doesn’t have car insurance? What if the other driver caused the accident, what would happen?

Denver

Huntsville, AL

In Huntsville and in any areas in Alabama, all drivers are mandated by law to carry 20/40 liability insurance to cover injuries or death of another in an accident. There are two potential problems: first, the driver is illegally driving without car insurance. Second, the driver only carries a minimum insurance coverage and your losses or car damages exceed that amount.

Most car insurance policies include Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If the other uninsured driver was the one who caused the accident, your own insurance policy will pay for your personal injuries, if you have “uninsured motorist” or medical payments” coverage. If the other driver’s auto insurance coverage is not enough to pay for all of your damages, your own insurance may pay the difference, if you have “underinsured motorist” coverage. If you do not have these kinds of car insurance or if your damages are more than the policy’s limit, you can sue the other driver’s negligence. If the other driver’s negligence was the cause of the accident, occupants in your car are covered for medical expenses and lost wages for a minimum of $20,000 per individual/$40,000 per accident. Thus, it will be best for drivers to purchase more than the minimum coverage. Also, it may be necessary to take your insurance company to court if they are not willing to cover the claim.